Abstract
The records of 106 patients with advanced cancer managed in a large Oncology Unit of a University teaching hospital were reviewed to determine the incidence and management of pain over the last six months of life. Overall, 89% of patients experienced pain which was considered significant in 75% and became more frequent as cancer progressed. Pain control was good in 76% of patients with narcotics being utilised in the majorit. Of the 23 patients who failed to achieve adequate pain relief, suboptimal analgesia was utilised in 11. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy was utilised in 73 and 30 patients respectively with the latter being more successful in assisting pain control, particularly of bone origin. Side-effects of the analgesics used were common, but generally well controlled. This series has shown that pain control in this setting was comparable to that reported for hospice patients. However, better documentation of symptoms, treatment and outcome are indicated similar to that being given for specific cancer treatments, to ensure all patients are offered optimal symptom management.